The father of the last living Israeli-American hostage has called on the US to negotiate directly with Hamas after the terrorist group said it had “failed” with its son following the airstrikes in Gaza.
Addie Alexander remains missing at age 21 after his son Edan, 21, claimed that the airstrikes were attacked by his direct position last week, urging the Trump administration to resume consultations to free Hamas, his son and 58 other hostages.
“I think we should go back in person with them and see what we can do with our son, four dead American hostages and everyone else,” Alexander told reporters on Saturday.
“The negotiations are stuck, everything seems to be stuck, and we’re going back a year ago,” he added. “That’s really concerning.”
Hamas military building reiterated on Sunday that it didn’t know what happened to Edan following the Israeli airstrike. The terrorist group’s claims could not be independently verified.
The Israeli Defense Forces say they will not carry out strikes in areas where Hamas suspects they are holding hostages, but the free prisoners of war previously said airstrikes were hit near their location while being held in Gaza.
Before his loss, Edan was featured in an undated propaganda film pleading with President Trump to secure his freedom after the latest ceasefire contract was over.
Alexander said he was heartbroken by the “terrifying, terrifying video” and hoped his son would tell him that everyone was fighting for him.
“Just trust me. You know, no one has forgotten you,” said Alexander, pretending to talk to his son.
“I believe in Israel too, as everyone is fighting for your release at the highest level of America, not your parents.”
Alexander’s plea comes after the latest collapse of the ceasefire conference between Israel and Hamas. Terrorist groups refuse to release hostages anymore unless the Jewish state agrees to a permanent end to the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected this situation and vowed that the war would not end until all hostages were released and Hamas was completely eradicated.
During intense negotiations it was revealed last month that US hostage envoy Adam Berer had engaged in secret consultations with Hamas about American prisoners.
Bowler claimed that the talks were “coordinated with Israel,” but Jerusalem officials said they found it out of news reports, saying leaders were criticising Bowler’s handling of the situation.
Despite backlash from Jerusalem, Bohler last week claimed that direct talks with Hamas would “be possible” to resume.
Israeli officials estimate that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 24 prisoners still believed to be still alive.
With post wire
